basic rider course
This 5-minute video is a capsule summary of what you'll experience in our hands-on, 15 hour, Basic RiderCourse training program. Five hours of classroom instruction prepare you for ten hours of practical riding in a controlled, off-street environment, under the guidance of MSF-certified RiderCoaches.
Prepare for the classroom by exploring our available study materials to better prepare you for the Knowledge portion of the class
Classes offered in Maryland and Virginia!
The Basic RiderCourse is the best place for new riders to start once you’ve made the decision to ride.
This is approximately a 15-hour course; 5 hours of self-guided online class instruction and 10 hours of instructor-guided motorcycle riding over 2 consecutive days. The online-learning must be completed prior to riding instruction. You can learn more about the class process here.
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Motorcycle's are provided for the class
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Helmet Rental's are offered for this course; learn more HERE
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Virginia will waive both the written and riding tests for your M2 endorsement.
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Graduates may qualify for insurance premium discounts with some motorcycle insurers.
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Completion of the Basic RiderCourse satisfies the requirements of the Department of Defense regulations regarding motorcycle training for active duty military members and civilians operating a motorcycle on and off military installations.
The Basic RiderCourse is conducted at a pace that results in successful completion for most novice riders. Our RiderCoaches will help you learn to the best of your ability. If you have significant difficulty or become a risk to yourself or others, as determined by you or your RiderCoaches, you will not be permitted to continue to ride (other options may be available for developing your riding skills). If you would like a head-start or are worried that you may not be able to keep up, consider our Intro to Motorcycle Riding Course.
To successfully complete the course, you must:
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Attend and participate in all sessions.
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Achieve a minimum score on a knowledge test covering course materials or pass the eCourse.
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Achieve a passing score on a riding-skill evaluation.
Successfully completing the Basic RiderCourse is not a guarantee that you will be safe on the road. Only you can choose the level of safety you wish to maintain. The course will provide you with the opportunities and experiences to acquire the basic knowledge and skill that enable you to continue to practice and develop your safe riding habits. Safe riding is also a matter of attitude, and only you can provide that.
Please contact PRU so that we are made aware of any special medical requirements or other special considerations that may be required.
Our Late Fee and Cancellation Policy may be viewed HERE
You must provide your own shatter-resistant eye protection, sturdy over the ankle footwear (non-canvas and not steel-toed), long sleeved shirt or jacket, long non-flare denim pants or equivalent protective material and full fingered (preferably leather) gloves.
What to ExpecT
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15-hours of instruction (5 hours classroom/10 hours riding)
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Range exercises include low-speed maneuvers and basic skills such as shifting, accelerating, braking, cornering, U-turn, lane change
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You’ll be with the same group for the duration of your training
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You’ll receive individual RiderCoach feedback while learning to ride
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Motorcycles are provided for the course
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Helmets & Gloves are available at $25 for rent during the course
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Types and/or models of motorcycles available vary by site. Ask your RiderCoach which training bike is best for you based on your height, weight or preferred riding style
We offer a variety of bikes in our classes. If you are small or tall just let us know and we will make sure we have the right mix of bikes to try and accommodate your needs.
Tuition Discounts available for Coleman PowerSports VIP's, Motorcyle Clubs, Military, First responders, and former students! Need a promo code? Just call us.
Here is a List of the 14 Hands-on Riding Exercises in the Course:
Motorcycle Familiarization
Review T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection
Identify location and operation of important controls and major parts
Review mounting/dismounting procedures
Review elements of good posture
Using the Friction Zone
Become skilled in using the clutch friction zone for control
Starting & Stopping Drill
Coordinate the friction zone, throttle, and brakes to control the motorcycle
Start out and stop with precision and control
Shifting & Stopping
Shift gears and stop smoothly
Basic Skill Practice
Refine low-speed maneuvering skills
Refine throttle use and brake manipulation for corners
Pressing to Initiate and Adjust Lean
Understand the maneuvering elements needed for negotiating curves
Experience the effects of handgrip pressure and handlebar movement to initiate and adjust lean
Stopping More Quickly & Tight Turns from a Stop
Develop a feel for progressive braking pressure to stop more quickly without skidding
Practice making a sharp turn from a stop
Stopping Distance Demonstration
Observe a demonstration of the reaction/braking parts of total stopping distance
To understand effects of speed on braking distance
To relate the results to intersection strategies
Limited-Space Maneuvers
Refine maneuvering skills to allow turns in limited spaces
Learn the counterweighting technique
Stopping in a Curve
Learn to maintain control while stopping in a curve
Understand traction management
Curve Judgment
Improve skills for negotiating multiple curves
Understand the "search-setup-smooth" strategy
Multiple Curves & Lane Changes
Practice negotiating curves and lane changes
Understand safety margins and gap selection
Crossing an Obstacle & Swerving
Learn techniques for crossing over obstacles
Execute a basic swerve
Practice turning from a stop
Refine slow-speed weaves
Skill Practice
Capstone exercise that combines a variety of maneuvers
Skill Test
To assess basic skills using a cone weave, normal stop, turning from a stop, U-turn, quick stop, obstacle swerve, and cornering maneuver.
To demonstrate basic motorcycle control skills and ability to avoid an obstacle
To demonstrate ability to use the proper technique to negotiate a curve
The course concludes with a classroom knowledge test and hands-on a riding skill evaluation. Once your RiderCoach hands you the course-completion card, you'll be happy knowing that you’ve gone the extra mile to develop your own safe riding techniques.